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IRAN MISSILE LAUNCH

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on January 15 issued a statement condemning Iran’s firing of a space launch vehicle in defiance of the international community.

He pointed out that Iran continues to defy the international community and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 with this latest move. On January 15 the Iranian regime, he stated, “fired off a space launch vehicle…. Such vehicles incorporate technologies that are virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. Today’s launch furthers Iran’s ability to eventually build such a weapon.”

Washington has clearly stated it will not stand for Iran’s flagrant disregard for international norms. The Secretary added that the “United States is working with our allies and partners to counter the entire range of the Islamic Republic’s threats, including its missile program, which threatens Europe and the Middle East.”

IRANIAN ACTION IN YEMAN AND SYRIA

The Secretary of State met with the traveling press during his recent trip to the Middle East. When asked to characterize the conversations he had with various foreign leaders regarding Yeman, Syria and Iraq, he said the challenges all start “with extremism in whatever form you find it. In this case you have Iranian-backed Houthis, Iranian-backed Hizballah, Iranian-backed Shia militias in Iraq, Iranian-backed forces in Syria, and in each case the root of the challenge stems from the revolutionary nature of the Islamic regime and their efforts abroad. And so they’re focused on doing the things they can do.”

Pompeo pointed out that he shared “with the crown prince and with the king…” that the United States wants “an Iraq that is independent, sovereign, and how it is we might do that – there are lots of economic things we can do to assist Iraq in getting back on its feet, which will permit them to be more independent and Yes, if you are already going through Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a metabolic dysfunction.One of the common symptoms that can be effectively treated by Pulsatilla. buy cialis on line Designed to be used in a variety of dosages and generic viagra canada in various forms. There may be some times when you take the time out viagra sale to talk and understand what you’re child is going through can be very helpful. ICT means convergence of telephone and audio-visual networks with computer levitra india http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/10/12/1-degil-2-degil-7-superkahraman-ayni-filmde-the-avengers-filminin-ilk-fragmani/ networks. have more control and be more sovereign.”

The Secretary characterized the conversations as wide ranging and said that “America’s continued effort on the economic and financial front – to attempt to convince the Iranian people that America is serious about empowering them and creating opportunities for the Iranian people.” He also pointed out that several of the leaders with whom he spoke also wanted to see an independent and sovereign Iraq.

SAUDI ARABIA

During the Secretary of State’s meeting with the traveling press he also discussed the situation with Saudi Arabia surrounding the Khashoggi murder. He pointed out to the press that “the United States relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That’s who – that’s who our partner is; that’s who our strategically shared interest is with.”

“…I spoke with the ruler in Saudi Arabia, the king, and the crown prince, and the foreign minister, and we spoke about a wide range of issues. And where we’re working closely together and being successful we want to redouble our efforts, and where friends think the other one is falling short I was very clear and candid about those things where America is not satisfied, where they’re not meeting our expectations. And they – and they appreciate that.”

The Saudi leaders also pointed out to Secretary Pompeo areas in which the Kingdom felt the United States fell short of expectations. With regard to the Secretary’s recent speech in Doha, he said that the Saudi’s believed his comments were consistent both with America’s policy and “what it is they hope we’ll continue to do. That is, they think we have the right understanding of the challenges that are here in the Middle East, that this administration does. But we did talk about how we might put the Gulf back in a better place… It’s a matter of us all figuring out how to do it together, but mostly, those countries figuring out how they can put it back together.” 

DARIA NOVAK served in the United States State Department during the Reagan Administration, and currently is on the Board of the American Analysis of News and Media Inc., which publishes usagovpolicy.com and the New York Analysis of Policy and Government.  Each Saturday, she presents key updates on U.S. foreign policy from the State Department.

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